A doctor has revealed five foods that he will not buy because of their negative health effects. He says they can cause chronic inflammation and gut issues which have repeatedly been linked to a higher risk of serious conditions including cancer.
These foods are ones you may have previously believed to be healthy, but there are a growing number of scientists and nutritionists who also agree that these foods (or at least some of them) are not as good for us as we have been led to believe.
Dr Naheed Ali is a physician and senior contributor at the Turkey-based Vera Clinic. That particular clinic specialises in hair science, but Dr Ali is the author of several health books available to buy at Waterstones. He has a PhD in holistic health and is certified in clinical research by National Institutes of Health (NIH), a US government body that is the largest source of funding for medical research in the world.
Dr Ali told The Sun that while no single food directly causes cancer (though others would disagree with that and say these two foods are known to cause cancer ) quality of diet has a major effect over time. He said he recommends a “holistic approach”, which, he explained, “means looking past the marketing and paying attention to how a food actually affects you long-term”. These are the foods Dr Ali says he avoids. Another writer who cut ultra-processed foods from his diet completely named the five foods he’d never buy again here.
1. Flavoured yoghurt
While natural or Greek yoghurt is known to have many health benefits, flavoured yoghurts are often packed full of sugar and artificial ingredients like flavourings and emulsifiers. Dr Ali says: “Too much sugar throws off gut health and contributes to insulin resistance, which can mess with digestion and energy levels. An unhealthy gut microbiome has been linked to higher inflammation and bowel cancer risk, though more research is needed.”
2. Meat alternatives
Again, while many scientists would strongly argue for a reduced intake of meat, especially red and processed meat, they would also say that some plant-based meat alternatives contain lots of artificial ingredients and are made with insutrial processed.
Dr Ali said: “Some plant-based meat alternatives are filled with processed soy, refined oils, and additives to make them taste more like real meat. Not all of them are bad, but many have high sodium content, artificial binders, and lower-quality protein sources that don’t offer the same benefits as whole foods and aren’t great for metabolic health.”
3. Vegetable oils
There is fierce debate over vegetable oils (which are often called seed oils). While they are often demonised by so-called health influencers on social media, experts like Zoe’s chief scientist, Dr Sarah Berry, says seed oils are not bad for your health.
Dr Ali says his concerns are around the fact that the oils usually contain omega-6 fats. He said: “The problem isn’t omega-6 fats themselves – our bodies need them – but the imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fats in the modern diet. When omega-6 intake is too high without enough omega-3s, it may contribute to chronic inflammation over time.”
Dr Berry says there is no need to be worried about omega-6 fats and added: “The most surprising thing I’ve learned about seed oils is how much nutri-nonsense there is out there about seed oils. It’s shocking.”
4. Protein bars
Protein bars have exploded in popularity in recent years, as has the trend of adding protein to other foods, including milk, cereal and yoghurt. But scientists say many of them are essentially candy bars with added protein powder.
Dr Ali agrees, saying: “They’re full of artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and processed proteins that can cause bloating and digestion issues. Some have better ingredients than others but many are far from a ‘whole food’ option.”
5. Pre-made juices and smoothies
Scientists say that breaking down fruits into juices strips them of their natural structures and fibre, essentially meaning their high sugar content is absorbed into the blood quicker. Dr Ali says: “That means blood sugar spikes, crashes, and unnecessary calories. Some also contain preservatives and artificial flavouring to enhance taste.”
Why is inflammation linked with cancer?
Some inflammation is necessary for your body to function, and it’s a response to infections or injuries. But, science and nutrition firm Zoe explains, long-term, or chronic, inflammation can increase your risk of several health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia. You can find four vegetables that guard against cancer and inflammation here.